Historic photograph of the Samaritaine buildings in the 1st arrondissement of Paris

La Samaritaine

La Samaritaine Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

La Samaritaine, nestled alongside the Seine in the heart of Paris, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living testament to the city’s dynamic history and cultural vibrancy. With over 150 years of legacy, this iconic department store seamlessly fuses Art Nouveau and Art Deco design, pioneering retail concepts, and contemporary luxury. After a complete restoration, La Samaritaine stands today as a multifaceted destination—offering shopping, dining, guided tours, and cultural events—making it a must-visit for travelers, architecture aficionados, and history enthusiasts alike (Zest for Art, Wikipedia).

Close-up detail of the Gran Bazar emblem on the wall at 136 rue de Rennes, Paris

La Samaritaine staircase viewed from the top floor

Decorated staircase inside La Samaritaine in Paris

Christmas tree on top floor of La Samaritaine department store decorated for holiday season

Nighttime view of Paris with illuminated buildings and river

Old truck of La Samaritaine on Rue Pierre-Curie in Pierrefitte

Street view of Rue Pierre Curie in Pierrefitte with residential buildings and parked cars

Historical Overview
Restoration and Renaissance
Practical Visitor Information
Architectural Highlights
Shopping and Dining
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals & Interactive Resources
Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Founding

La Samaritaine was founded in 1870 by Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ, whose vision was to create a “store for everyone”—an inclusive, innovative retail model for Parisians. The name originates from a 17th-century water pump on the Pont Neuf, referencing the biblical Samaritan woman. Cognacq and Jaÿ’s approach emphasized accessibility, fixed pricing, and a diverse product range, laying the groundwork for Paris’s department store culture (Wikipedia, Complete France).

Architectural Evolution

Art Nouveau Transformation:
Frantz Jourdain, the visionary architect, reimagined the original store in 1891, introducing steel and glass construction, expansive windows, and organic Art Nouveau forms. This modernist approach created light-filled interiors and striking facades adorned with enamels and floral motifs. The famed Grand Staircase, gold-leafed and oak-stepped, remains a centerpiece (Cité de l’Architecture, WikiArquitectura).

Art Deco Expansion:
Henri Sauvage’s 1920s Art Deco addition introduced geometric stonework and terrace-like forms, complementing Jourdain’s glass-and-iron masterpiece. By the 1930s, La Samaritaine comprised four interconnected magasin buildings, each blending decorative innovation with functional retail design (DFS history).

Golden Age and Decline

In the interwar years, La Samaritaine flourished, offering everything from luxury goods to daily essentials, pioneering staff welfare, and hosting citywide celebrations. However, changing retail trends and the closure of Les Halles market in the 1970s led to decline. The store was listed as a historical monument in 1990 (French Ministry of Culture), but safety concerns forced its closure in 2005 (Wikipedia).

Restoration and Renaissance

After acquisition by LVMH in 2001, La Samaritaine underwent a €750 million, 16-year restoration led by Japanese firm SANAA, in collaboration with French heritage architects. The project balanced meticulous restoration of historic Art Nouveau and Art Deco features with sensitive contemporary interventions, most notably the rippling glass façade on Rue de Rivoli. La Samaritaine reopened in June 2021 as a multifunctional complex—retail, hospitality, offices, social housing, and public spaces—heralding a new era for the Parisian landmark (Forbes, Avontuura).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am–8:00 pm (closed only on May 1st). Check the official website for updates or seasonal variations.
Entry: Free access to all retail and dining spaces. Guided tours or special exhibitions may require advance tickets, usually €15–€30 per person.

Accessibility

La Samaritaine is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms. Multilingual staff are available to assist visitors with reduced mobility.

Getting There

Address: 9 rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
Metro: Pont Neuf (Line 7), Louvre-Rivoli (Line 1), Châtelet (Lines 1,4,7,11,14)
RER: Châtelet–Les Halles (Lines A, B, D)
Bus: Lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 85, 96
Walking: Steps from the Seine, Pont Neuf, and the Louvre (Visit Paris Region).

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings: Quieter for architectural exploration and photography.
Sales seasons: January–February (winter), late June–July (summer) for bargains, but expect crowds.
Spring and autumn: Pleasant weather for strolling nearby attractions.

Nearby Attractions

Pont Neuf: Paris’s oldest bridge with scenic river views.
Louvre Museum: World-class art collections.
Île de la Cité: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle.
Les Halles: Shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Seine river cruises: Departures nearby for panoramic city tours.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, focusing on history and architecture. Public tours are typically held Saturdays at 4 pm; private tours can be pre-booked (Official La Samaritaine Website).
Events: Art installations, fashion shows, and cultural exhibitions are regularly hosted—check the events calendar online.

Architectural Highlights

Grand Staircase: Gold-leaf railings, original oak steps, ornate ceramic artistry (Moodie Davitt Report).
Glass Roof: Original 1907 Art Nouveau canopy, restored and modernized with electrochromic glass.
Enamelled Lava Panels: Historic Volvic lava decorations, meticulously restored to original color and detail.
Peacock Fresco: Iconic mural, an Art Nouveau masterpiece, vibrant and symbolic.
Rippling Glass Façade: Contemporary SANAA design on Rue de Rivoli, echoing Parisian rhythm and light (Avontuura).
Internal Passage and Courtyards: Light-filled internal “street” with glass canopies and tree-dotted courtyards (Arquitectura Viva).

Visitor Tip: Take time to explore all four “magasins,” look up at the glass roofs, and pause in the internal courtyards for unique perspectives on the interplay of history and modernity.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping: Over 650 brands, spanning luxury houses (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel) and contemporary designers. Beauty, accessories, fashion, jewelry, and homeware are all represented (Visit Paris Region).
Dining: More than 10 venues, from the panoramic rooftop restaurant Voyage and classic French tea rooms to modern street food. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants.
Services: Personal shopping, hands-free options, tax-free shopping for non-EU visitors, and customization workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are La Samaritaine’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily, 10:00 am–8:00 pm (except May 1st). Check the official website for seasonal changes.

Q: Do I need a ticket to enter?
A: No, entry to retail and dining spaces is free. Guided tours or exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Is La Samaritaine accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms throughout.

Q: How do I book guided tours?
A: Tickets are available online or at the Concierge desk on the ground floor.

Q: What is the best way to get there?
A: Use Metro (Pont Neuf or Louvre-Rivoli), RER (Châtelet–Les Halles), or walk from central Paris landmarks.

Q: Are there tax-free shopping options?
A: Yes, for non-EU visitors on purchases over €100.01. Request a détaxe form at the point of sale.

Visuals & Interactive Resources

View high-resolution images and virtual tours on the official La Samaritaine website.
Interactive maps display the store’s location, nearby metro stations, and attractions.
Alt tags for images: “La Samaritaine Paris Art Nouveau facade,” “Grand Staircase at La Samaritaine,” “La Samaritaine visiting hours,” “La Samaritaine Paris tickets.”

Conclusion

La Samaritaine represents a unique blend of Parisian heritage, architectural brilliance, and contemporary luxury. From its visionary 19th-century origins through a golden age of social innovation to its 21st-century renaissance, La Samaritaine is a living monument to the city’s spirit of reinvention. With free public access, world-class shopping, exquisite dining, and immersive cultural programming, it is an essential stop for anyone seeking the best of Paris. For the latest updates on visiting hours, tickets, and events, consult the official La Samaritaine website.

Plan your visit, and let La Samaritaine’s legacy enrich your Paris adventure. For more curated travel guides and updates, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media.